NRL expansion plans, conference-style system presented to clubs

The NRL has rebooted the idea of introducing a two-conference system as part of its expansion plans in a major shake-up of the code. POLL: HAVE YOUR SAY

The NRL has latched on to a Daily Telegraph idea to introduce an NFL-style conference system as part of revolutionary expansion plans.

The proposal would involve adding an extra team in both Brisbane and New Zealand and splitting the competition into two conferences in a major shake-up for the code.

The Daily Telegraph has learned that the NRL has floated the conference system among a number of proposals with clubs during a travelling roadshow of ideas.

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NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys have already met with around half of the clubs, including Parramatta, St George Illawarra and South Sydney, with plans to canvas the three Queensland teams during next month’s Magic Round weekend.

The Daily Telegraphfirst floated the idea in 2014, proposing that the nine Sydney teams would be grouped in one conference, while the seven other clubs — North Queensland, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne and New Zealand, along with two expansion franchises — would make up the other bracket.

A conference system would ensure traditional rivals such as the Rabbitohs and Roosters would play each other twice every year. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The addition of a second Brisbane team in 2023, and another New Zealand side — such as Christchurch — potentially in 2026, would even the conferences, and that four teams from each group would go into separate finals series.

This would ultimately end with a team from each conference in a Super Bowl-type grand final.

The proposal has had the long-term backing of super coach Wayne Bennett, and would be the first major change to the competition since it expanded to its current 16-team format in 2007.

The move comes as the NRL looks at the long-term future of the game, and how to leverage the best financial return from broadcast rights deals through expansion.

Creating a 17th team, based out of Brisbane, will give southeast Queensland viewers another team to watch, but won’t amount to an extra game in the schedule.

By potentially adding an 18th team and splitting the competition into conferences, the NRL hopes to secure support for more regular-season rivalries, generating larger crowds and bigger TV audiences.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has met clubs to lay out their vision for the game. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

That’s the message Abdo and V’landys have been selling clubs as they get serious about overhauling the current makeup of the competition.

The free-to-air broadcast rights, currently held by Channel 9, expire at the end of 2023, and the NRL is adamant about going to the market with a strategic plan on maximising its value to potential bidders.

Bennett pushed for a conference system last year during the COVID-19-enforced shutdown, when it became clear the NRL would not be able to get through its planned 25-round season.

His proposal even went before Wayne Pearce’s Project Apollo team until the NRL decided on a revamped draw to finish the season.

It would be a bold move to take a leap into the unknown — given non-Sydney teams may not reap the same benefits of the conference system, owing to excess travel, and home-and-away matches against teams in potentially smaller markets. But it is the kind of revolutionary thinking to take the game, whose format hasn’t evolved in 20 years, to a different level.

Wayne Bennett is a supporter of a conference system in the NRL. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

There are concerns around the depth of talent available to justify two new teams, especially given the disparity in the competition this season.

However, the NRL believes that is a temporary situation not dictated by elite playing stocks, and that the strength of the NSW and Queensland Cup competitions shows the depth is there.

The conference system would guarantee one Sydney team in the grand final each year, but it would mean two Harbour City clubs would not be able to face off in the decider.

NRL CONFERENCE SYSTEM: HOW IT WORKS

SYDNEY CONFERENCE

Bulldogs, Eels, Panthers, Rabbitohs, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Sharks, Tigers, Dragons

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Broncos, Cowboys, Knights, Raiders, Storm, Titans, Warriors, second Brisbane (TBC), second New Zealand team (TBC)

* Each conference plays home and away matches, then other conference teams once

* 25 regular season rounds

* Top four from each conference qualify for finals

* Always guarantees one Sydney team in grand final